Overview

Bachelor of Science

The Business Communication program at Stevenson University teaches its students traditional business courses along with courses in communication, writing, publication, information technologies, video, photography, and design. This will give you a firm foundation in business and the flexible skills you'll need to succeed in an increasingly expanding and sophisticated workforce. You'll learn business principles and functions and develop oral and written presentations using information technologies, video, photography, and graphics. Our students also participate in teamwork to plan, solve problems, and produce results in a timely fashion-exactly the kind of skills today's employers are looking for.

What Will You Learn?

Demonstrate communication competency among various publics, through oral and written communication, including speeches, presentations, research, and informal dialogue.

Demonstrate competency in the various forms of business and public writing.

Demonstrate competency in explaining key concepts and practices of business and other organizations through class projects, case studies, and multimedia presentations.

Demonstrate competency in key concepts and principles in the fields of video or photography through the production of a finished portfolio or piece.

Apply principles of publication design and layout, by employing both Mac and PC software programs in business applications.

Complete an internship that satisfies employer and program expectations.

A complete listing of learning outcomes for the Business Communication program can be found in our Academic Catalog.Learning Outcomes

Why Study Business Communication?

As a Business Communication major, you will master the latest technological tools in computer and design courses that will enable you to provide an artistic complement to the business world. You will also strengthen your written and visual talents through courses focused on different styles of writing and design. Communication courses are numerous and varied, and they will enable you to hone your interpersonal and speaking abilities while learning to understand the needs of your audience. In addition, you will gain a crucial knowledge of the business environment through courses in the areas of accounting, management, marketing, promotions, conflict management, and entrepreneurial development.

Gain a broad skill set that ranges from marketing and management, design and publications, journalism and professional writing, plus much more.

Get involved with the student-run newspaper, The Villager, as an editor, designer, photographer, and other positions to earn college credit while you add to your portfolio.

Study non-verbal communication, public relations, advertising, and new media so that you are well-prepared for a new world of work.

Take advantage of the opportunity to start an internship in your junior year, giving you a leg up when it comes to hands-on, real-world experience.

Remember that the Business Communication faculty plan a yearly "Study Abroad" trip just for the department, dedicated to deepening our students' intercultural understanding.

Courses & Requirements

Courses and Requirements

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in Business Communication. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson core curriculum. Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Some secondary requirements, which are noted by an asterisk (*) in the list below, can also be used to fulfill a core curriculum requirement.

Major Requirements

CM 101 Public Speaking

CM 115 Interpersonal Communication

CM 211 Intercultural Communication

CM 253 Journalism I

CM 254 Journalism II

CM 260 Business and Professional Communication

CM 290 Business Communication Internship Prep

CM 390 Organizational Communication

CM 401 Senior Internship

IS 124 Introduction to Computer Graphics

IS 134 MS Windows and Office Applications*

MGT 204 Principles of Management

MKT 206 Principles of Marketing

VID 107 Fundamentals of Video

Or

PHOTO 141 Digital Photography

Take 4 focused electives (12 credits) from the following courses:

CM 223 Writing for the Web

CM 255 Small Group Communication

CM 265 Event Planning and Publicity

CM 270 New Media Communication

CM 275 Principles and Practices of Public Relations

CM 310 Conflict and Negotiation

CM 350 Jr. Level BSCOM Internship

CM 380 The Advertising Campaign

CM 402 Special Topics

IS 260 Presentation Theory

VCD 370 Relationship of Business & Design

Secondary Requirements

ACC 215 Financial Accounting

IS 135 Advanced MS Office Applications

MATH 140 Basic Statistics*

VCD 270 Introduction to Corporate Communication Design*

Six credits from the following courses:

CM 303 Feature Writing

CM 304 Public Relations Writing

CM 305 Newspaper Practicum

CM 314 Magazine Writing and Publishing

Three business electives selected from the following subjects:

MGT, MKT, EC, FIN, INBUS or LAW 208, LAW345, or LAW 380.

Students may seek a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree under this program. Bachelor of Arts degree students must complete at least two courses in a foreign language at the intermediate level or above.

Tracks and Minors

Minor

A minor in Business Communication is not available.

B.S. to M.S. Option

The B.S. to M.S. option is available for students majoring in Business Communication who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work for a master's degree in one of Stevenson's graduate programs. Students choosing this option may earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in as few as five years. Student must formally apply for entrance into a B.S. to M.S. option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an education plan in consultation with their undergraduate and graduate advisors.